The Buckeyes dominated Kent State 59-3. With Big Ten play coming up, here’s this week’s Buckeye Stock Market.

There wasn’t much to learn about Ohio State during its seemingly dominant performance against Kent State. However, this week’s Buckeye Stock Market saw some risers and fallers.

Buckeyes Falling

Devin McCuin

Senior wide receiver Devin McCuin didn’t have the productive game many expected after a disappointing one-catch performance against Texas. The Buckeyes offense regrouped against the Golden Flashes, putting up over 500 total yards. McCuin caught just two passes for 29 yards.

This is McCuin’s second consecutive game with fewer than three catches. The Buckeyes offense is relying heavily on the veterans in this wide receiver group; McCuin will have to improve his production for the Buckeyes to succeed this season.

Isaiah West

Sophomore running back Isaiah West did not look the part, rushing for 10 yards on six attempts. West was spoken of highly throughout fall camp, even taking reps with the starting offense. But Florida transfer running back Ja’Kobi Jackson appears to be separating himself as second in command, behind Bo Jackson. West emerged late last season and showed flashes of potential. West will now have to find his footing if he wants to fall back into favor.

Payton Pierce

Junior linebacker Payton Pierce is off to a rough start after earning a starting role. Pierce was the Buckeyes’ lowest-graded player, according to Pro Football Focus. Pierce was honest about his struggles after the loss to Texas last week,

“I’m pretty disappointed in how I played,” he said.

Pierce had the chance to change things and dominate against the Golden Flashes, but missed key tackles and didn’t look like the player the Buckeyes need him to be. Sophomore linebacker Riley Pettijohn continues to improve and could be a candidate to replace Pierce at starting linebacker if he doesn’t improve.

Buckeyes Rising

Ja’Kobi Jackson

Senior running back Ja’Kobi Johnson has been consistently second in command behind Bo Jackson through three games. Johnson had another solid performance against the Golden Flashes, posting 47 rushing yards on eight attempts and 2 touchdowns. Jackson has an 83.2 overall grade according to Pro Football Focus. The Florida transfer will look to continue his strong performance as the season goes along.

Ja’Kobi Jackson with a grown man run 😤 pic.twitter.com/TEdTYgM3VG

— The Silver Bulletin (@tSilverBulletin) September 19, 2026

Luke Fahey

Freshman quarterback Luke Fahey is continuing to impress as he looks to widen the gap for the backup quarterback spot. Fahey made the most of his limited playing time against Kent State, throwing for 141 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. While Fahey threw just five passes, his strong play could be enough to solidify him as the team’s backup.

Chris Henry Jr

After a rough start to his Buckeye career, he saw a few drops against Ball State in the season opener. Ryan Day expressed that he didn’t lose hope in the true freshman. Quarterback Luke Fahey found Henry Jr. in the second half for a short pass that Henry Jr. took for the distance. It was a 75-yard strike that showcased the athleticism and speed of the future star as he continues to grow his role in the offense.

Brock Boyd

Brock Boyd was one of many different wide receivers rotated into the game on Saturday. Boyd had a solid performance, catching 4 passes for 66 yards. The extended look at Boyd tells us he could be a future star and potentially the next great receiver out of Ohio State. The Southlake Caroll product had been a standout in camp and is now proving it on the field.